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Strauss: Elektra / Kraus, Varnay, Rysanek, Hotter

Strauss,R. / Varnay / Rysanek / Kraus
Release Date: 02/24/2009 
Label:  Capriccio Records   Catalog #: 5008  
Composer:  Richard Strauss
Performer:  Heiner Horn,  Kathe Retzmann,  Gertie Charlent,  Helene Petrich,   ... 
Conductor:  Richard Kraus
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Cologne Radio Chorus,  Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra
Number of Discs: 2 
Recorded in: Mono 
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Notes and Editorial Reviews

This is, for my money, the most thrillingly sung Elektra available, and the mono broadcast sound is amazingly good for its mid-1950s provenance. Varnay in her prime was unbeatable: the power of Nilsson with none of her occasional coolness. Rysanek of course needs no introduction, and neither for that matter does Hans Hotter. As Klytaemnestra, Res Fischer creates a convincing portrait of fear, guile, and sheer evil. Already released previously on a couple of labels (Koch, most recently), if you care at all about this opera you simply must have this performance. It’s that simple.

-- David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com
 This is, for my money, the most thrillingly sung Elektra available, and the mono broadcast sound is amazingly good for its mid-1950s provenance. Varnay in her prime was unbeatable: the power of Nilsson with none of her occasional coolness. Rysanek of course needs no introduction, and neither for that matter does Hans Hotter. As Klytaemnestra, Res Fischer creates a convincing portrait of fear, guile, and sheer evil. Already released previously on a couple of labels (Koch, most recently), if you care at all about this opera you simply must have this performance. It’s that simple.

-- David Hurwitz, ClassicsToday.com
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Works on This Recording

1. Elektra, Op. 58 by Richard Strauss
Performer:  Heiner Horn (Bass), Kathe Retzmann (Soprano), Gertie Charlent (Soprano),
Helene Petrich (Voice), Helmut Melchert (Tenor), Astrid Varnay (Soprano),
Leonie Rysanek (Soprano), Res Fischer (Mezzo Soprano), Hans Hotter (Baritone),
Hasso Eschert (Baritone)
Conductor:  Richard Kraus
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Cologne Radio Chorus,  Cologne Radio Symphony Orchestra
Period: Romantic 
Written: 1906-1908; Germany 

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